I’m loving the budget category and all of the new entries that are coming into the market. Really helps new folks curious about taking the plunge or folks who don’t have much coin to spend get good performance for not much. Cheers Paul great video as always my friend!
For sure. Obviously the premium JDM reels are wonderful things - and at the same time the quality of experience you can have without breaking the bank is really quite amazing. I genuinely also think that bringing people in with great attractively-priced gear will also support sales of the top end gear too as more people are brought into BFS. Thanks for stopping by and for your comment. Paul
Great video on this reel. I bought this reel awhile ago because I couldn't resist at the price. I have used this reel quite a bit for heavy work like fishing for catfish, I actually just caught a 13" catfish with it after work tonight on a 1gram jighead and gulp pinch worm, I have really loved fishing with this reel and am very pleased with the purchase.
That's really great feedback John. I always like to hear about other people's experiences around the world. I'm sure it also helps any anglers watching the video get a good picture of the reel too. Thank you. Paul.
Nice video - many thanks for it! Just one critical remark: The comparison of the spinning time of an empty and a (at least somewhat) filled spool (as shown in 3:50) is not quite right. Due to the lower mass, the spinning time of an empty spool will always be shorter.
That's true - though I can assure you the spin time is significantly improved when making the "right" comparison...it's just that the video shots I had available compared the filled and empty spool (and there are already 4 days of filming with the casting testing, fishing and presentation to camera). Paul.
The zephyr is a flawed design, I used it for over a year and found a common design flaw, the spool gap between it and the housing would catch light line. This is nuts since that is what we use on BFS. The caster would catch a cast and it would frustrate me more and more as it is used. Thank you for this review, I am intrigued I currently enjoy a shimano curado BFS.
I'm still staying with my Shimano bfs reeks, but I can see the Chinese stuff is getting closer and closer to the top brands. Nice video again Paul. BTW, I've got your bfs t- shirt 😊
@denniswhite6001 I would say so, yes. There is a much lower chance of the line getting behind the spool and there's no way the GH100 can effectively cast/fish with lures around 1g in weight. I haven't directly compared the casting range of both reels when it comes to lures in the 3 to 10 gram range; but my feeling is that the GH100 wouldn't have a significant advantage over the Castfanatic in those lure ranges.
Looks just like a dovello. Bet they are the same reel with different branding made in the same plant. My dovello deff doesnt beat either of my zephyr bfs reels.
Hi Ben, it's definitely not the same reel (it's much bigger than the Doviello/Soloking/Silfast) and the bearing count/distribution is totally different. I'm fascinated by you finding the ACURA doesn't beat your Zephyr reels in your experience. What kind of weights are you casting and in what situations? For me the ACURA pro is much better than the CastFanatic and the Zephyr (while all of the reels mentioned are very capable).
Пожалуйста, и в целом я предпочитаю ACURA с передаточным числом 8,1: 1 и двумя шпулями. Однако, если вы ищете катушку только с одной шпулей, CastFanatic, безусловно, заслуживает вашего внимания. Павел (Paul)
@@FishingDiscoveries на Али CastFanatic тоже можно с 2мя шпулями купить. Мне интересно ваше впечатление. Обе эти катушки у меня в корзине, и мне нужно сделать выбор)))
@@ДенисГудок По моему опыту, катушка ACURA немного лучше. Единственное, что следует учитывать, это достаточно ли большого диаметра шпули CastFanatic для вас? Вы должны получить немного лучший заброс крупной/тяжелой приманки, а также больше «сантиметров на оборот рукоятки» при том же передаточном отношении. Итак, мой ответ таков, что Soloking ACURA спроектирован немного лучше, НО, если вам достаточно преимуществ большей шпули; тогда вы можете выбрать CastFanatic. Надеюсь это поможет! Павел
@@FishingDiscoveries спасибо за подробный ответ! Нужна катушка для весов от 1 до 6-7г. Сейчас в этом диапазоне ловлю Fishband PW100 и GH100, от 0.4г до 1г у меня 20Alphas air tw с двумя лёгкими шпулями. Просто хочется новое попробовать!)))
@@ДенисГудок Я думаю, что ACURA с 1 глубокой и 1 мелкой шпулей, вероятно, будет вашей лучшей покупкой. Пожалуйста, рассмотрите возможность нажатия на мою партнерскую ссылку, чтобы проверить любой из роликов, так как это действительно помогает мне продолжать делать эти обзорные видео! Катушка АКУРА: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DF8Kg5j В ролях Фанатик: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DdI3mEv
Hi. Nice looking reel! I have acura and ve2 with kestrel. I want more powerful reel with 32-34 spool. What do u prefer between castfanatic and the clamber hyper micro for stream chub fishing with 3-6 gr cranks??
While the Clamber has a metal frame and is a pretty nice reel I possibly lean towards the CastFanatic. It definitely has a plastic frame feel, so that might be a factor. The higher gear ratio still isn't too fast for crankbaits (while also being able to keep up with the current when fishing upstream). With all that being said, gear choice is super, super personal and my own preferences might not match with yours!! Paul.
Yep, it’s the reel I tested this one against in the casting trials portion of this video. I like the ACURA/DOVIELLO/SOLOKING HICC50 very much at its pricepoint - the new “Pro” version also features a lighter spool which is great. The main significant difference I would say is that the Castfanatic has a larger diameter spool - and this tends to be suited to bombing heavier BFS lures further than a small diameter spool like the HICC50.
Hi - I have an affiliate link (for transparency) to the reel here - Make sure to select the correct reel and winding hand option for your needs: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_EI6mkGF
If I had to spend 100 ish € in a combo do you recommend this reel? Any idea about a rod? I usually run braid with fluoro leader, do you recommend straight fluorocarbon?
Braid to fluoro is a good option and this reel should serve you well for a range of species and finesse lure weights. Here's an article on which BFS rods may fit your budget: fishingdiscoveries.com/bfs-rod/
@LandSkull Unless there is a big offer running - I expect it will be the spare spool that is offered at $14. The reel is typically $40 to $50-something dollars. I'd say it is a good option for a first reel. It's a little larger in the hand than the ACURA which may be good or bad depending on your preference. There is a reel which is often available for around 20 dollars or just under...Which would be OK for anyone on a super tight budget and where fishing 3-gram baits and upward was the aim. However that reel is noticeably less good than the one in this video and the ACURA (which is my current standard recommendation for budget BFS reels). Paul.
I’m loving the budget category and all of the new entries that are coming into the market. Really helps new folks curious about taking the plunge or folks who don’t have much coin to spend get good performance for not much. Cheers Paul great video as always my friend!
Thank you Peter - you're a legend. Looking forward to your new "reel lab" studio. P
@@FishingDiscoveries a real reel lab haha 😆. In reality it’ll be nothing more than a better suited desk for working on reels... I mean a reel lab! 😆
Mate, the UA-cam algorithm has bent me over for not recommending this channel sooner. Im going to binge your content tonight. Cheers from down Under
Awesome - I have got more on the way in the next couple of weeks... Going to check out your channel now.. Paul
@@FishingDiscoveries I only have a few videos with BFS. Just getting started :)
@@yep.fishing Those Aussie Salmon look like a lot of fun (and certainly punch their weight). Paul
@@FishingDiscoveries yea they are good fun for sure. The Australian record is 96cm! They are aggressive so you just need to find them.
Seems a solid reel for the price! The cdm reels have really stepped up in quality over the last couple of years.
For sure. Obviously the premium JDM reels are wonderful things - and at the same time the quality of experience you can have without breaking the bank is really quite amazing. I genuinely also think that bringing people in with great attractively-priced gear will also support sales of the top end gear too as more people are brought into BFS. Thanks for stopping by and for your comment. Paul
They should've been worried a long time ago already becasue of the dark wolf ultra and the kingdom micro monster
What a great reel. Fantastic informative and entertaining video. Your editing has taken a big step forward. Love the vibe.
Thank you - that's a huge compliment! Paul
Great video on this reel. I bought this reel awhile ago because I couldn't resist at the price. I have used this reel quite a bit for heavy work like fishing for catfish, I actually just caught a 13" catfish with it after work tonight on a 1gram jighead and gulp pinch worm, I have really loved fishing with this reel and am very pleased with the purchase.
That's really great feedback John. I always like to hear about other people's experiences around the world. I'm sure it also helps any anglers watching the video get a good picture of the reel too. Thank you. Paul.
Nice video - many thanks for it!
Just one critical remark: The comparison of the spinning time of an empty and a (at least somewhat) filled spool (as shown in 3:50) is not quite right. Due to the lower mass, the spinning time of an empty spool will always be shorter.
That's true - though I can assure you the spin time is significantly improved when making the "right" comparison...it's just that the video shots I had available compared the filled and empty spool (and there are already 4 days of filming with the casting testing, fishing and presentation to camera). Paul.
This is my first video I seen of yours. Really enjoyed it thank you.
Glad you enjoyed what you found Dominic. Thanks for commenting too.
Hey Paul, great review and video. Really like the on stream field testing, adds so much weight to any conclusions reached. 😊
Thank you Glenn, I'm really glad you enjoyed it and thank you so much for the positive feedback. Paul.
The zephyr is a flawed design, I used it for over a year and found a common design flaw, the spool gap between it and the housing would catch light line. This is nuts since that is what we use on BFS. The caster would catch a cast and it would frustrate me more and more as it is used. Thank you for this review, I am intrigued I currently enjoy a shimano curado BFS.
Curado is a very nice reel - particularly for "bass" finesse size baits.
great video! amazing the range of budget reels around!
Thanks man - and you're right there's a real increase in the range of affordable and effective BFS reels coming on to the market.
I'm still staying with my Shimano bfs reeks, but I can see the Chinese stuff is getting closer and closer to the top brands. Nice video again Paul. BTW, I've got your bfs t- shirt 😊
Thank you - and you're never going to go far wrong by choosing Shimano BFS gear! Hope the T-shirt fits and that it brings you luck on stream! Paul
FD, Is this reel superior to the GH100 with replacement bearings? The line on the GH100 still gets behind the spool. Thanks
@denniswhite6001 I would say so, yes. There is a much lower chance of the line getting behind the spool and there's no way the GH100 can effectively cast/fish with lures around 1g in weight. I haven't directly compared the casting range of both reels when it comes to lures in the 3 to 10 gram range; but my feeling is that the GH100 wouldn't have a significant advantage over the Castfanatic in those lure ranges.
Excellent content, excellent editing. New sub… keep ‘em coming brother
Thank you!
Really well done video!
Looks just like a dovello. Bet they are the same reel with different branding made in the same plant. My dovello deff doesnt beat either of my zephyr bfs reels.
Hi Ben, it's definitely not the same reel (it's much bigger than the Doviello/Soloking/Silfast) and the bearing count/distribution is totally different. I'm fascinated by you finding the ACURA doesn't beat your Zephyr reels in your experience. What kind of weights are you casting and in what situations? For me the ACURA pro is much better than the CastFanatic and the Zephyr (while all of the reels mentioned are very capable).
Well done sir!
Спасибо за видео! Какая катушка вам больше нравится- Acura или CastFanatic?
Пожалуйста, и в целом я предпочитаю ACURA с передаточным числом 8,1: 1 и двумя шпулями.
Однако, если вы ищете катушку только с одной шпулей, CastFanatic, безусловно, заслуживает вашего внимания.
Павел (Paul)
@@FishingDiscoveries на Али CastFanatic тоже можно с 2мя шпулями купить. Мне интересно ваше впечатление. Обе эти катушки у меня в корзине, и мне нужно сделать выбор)))
@@ДенисГудок По моему опыту, катушка ACURA немного лучше. Единственное, что следует учитывать, это достаточно ли большого диаметра шпули CastFanatic для вас? Вы должны получить немного лучший заброс крупной/тяжелой приманки, а также больше «сантиметров на оборот рукоятки» при том же передаточном отношении. Итак, мой ответ таков, что Soloking ACURA спроектирован немного лучше, НО, если вам достаточно преимуществ большей шпули; тогда вы можете выбрать CastFanatic.
Надеюсь это поможет!
Павел
@@FishingDiscoveries спасибо за подробный ответ! Нужна катушка для весов от 1 до 6-7г. Сейчас в этом диапазоне ловлю Fishband PW100 и GH100, от 0.4г до 1г у меня 20Alphas air tw с двумя лёгкими шпулями. Просто хочется новое попробовать!)))
@@ДенисГудок Я думаю, что ACURA с 1 глубокой и 1 мелкой шпулей, вероятно, будет вашей лучшей покупкой. Пожалуйста, рассмотрите возможность нажатия на мою партнерскую ссылку, чтобы проверить любой из роликов, так как это действительно помогает мне продолжать делать эти обзорные видео! Катушка АКУРА:
s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DF8Kg5j
В ролях Фанатик:
s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DdI3mEv
Hi. Nice looking reel! I have acura and ve2 with kestrel. I want more powerful reel with 32-34 spool. What do u prefer between castfanatic and the clamber hyper micro for stream chub fishing with 3-6 gr cranks??
While the Clamber has a metal frame and is a pretty nice reel I possibly lean towards the CastFanatic. It definitely has a plastic frame feel, so that might be a factor. The higher gear ratio still isn't too fast for crankbaits (while also being able to keep up with the current when fishing upstream). With all that being said, gear choice is super, super personal and my own preferences might not match with yours!! Paul.
@@FishingDiscoveries thx!
Have you looked at the DOVIELLO HICC50?
Yep, it’s the reel I tested this one against in the casting trials portion of this video. I like the ACURA/DOVIELLO/SOLOKING HICC50 very much at its pricepoint - the new “Pro” version also features a lighter spool which is great. The main significant difference I would say is that the Castfanatic has a larger diameter spool - and this tends to be suited to bombing heavier BFS lures further than a small diameter spool like the HICC50.
Do you have a link for purchase?
Hi - I have an affiliate link (for transparency) to the reel here - Make sure to select the correct reel and winding hand option for your needs: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_EI6mkGF
If I had to spend 100 ish € in a combo do you recommend this reel? Any idea about a rod? I usually run braid with fluoro leader, do you recommend straight fluorocarbon?
Braid to fluoro is a good option and this reel should serve you well for a range of species and finesse lure weights. Here's an article on which BFS rods may fit your budget: fishingdiscoveries.com/bfs-rod/
@@FishingDiscoveries Thank you sir!
Is this reel really 14 dollars? Would you recommend this real as a first BFS reel? Most budget reels I see are in the 60 dollar range.
@LandSkull Unless there is a big offer running - I expect it will be the spare spool that is offered at $14. The reel is typically $40 to $50-something dollars. I'd say it is a good option for a first reel. It's a little larger in the hand than the ACURA which may be good or bad depending on your preference. There is a reel which is often available for around 20 dollars or just under...Which would be OK for anyone on a super tight budget and where fishing 3-gram baits and upward was the aim. However that reel is noticeably less good than the one in this video and the ACURA (which is my current standard recommendation for budget BFS reels). Paul.
@@FishingDiscoveries Thank you so much for your reply and information.
Nice Paul 🙏
Thank you so much. I'm really glad you liked it. Paul